If you’re a cat parent, then you know that sooner or later you’re going to have a question about your cat that you can’t answer. You might go to the vet, but what if it’s something small or embarrassing? Or what if the vet is closed? That’s where the website JustAnswer can come in handy. But is JustAnswer legit? I decided to try it out to find out. Here’s what happened…
What is JustAnswer?
JustAnswer.com is a website where you can ask Experts questions about pretty much anything. There are experts on everything from legal advice to taxes to home repair. And, of course, there are also experts on cats. Specifically, you can ask a licensed Veterinarian any questions you have about your feline friend.
I had a question about my cat, Walter. He’s 15 years old and in relatively good health. He just went to the vet two months ago, all of his bloodwork was good, and he isn’t due for another checkup for four more months. Of course, I can take him back to the vet but I thought I’d ask the Experts on JustAnswer for advice.
You see, Walter has been showing some signs of cognitive decline. So, when I set out to find out if JustAnswer is legit, I figured this would be a good topic to ask JustAnswer about. And, if JustAnswer is legit, then I’d kill two birds with one stone and get some help with my old man!
How Does JustAnswer Work?
It’s really easy to get started with JustAnswer. You just create an account and then you can start asking questions. It is a monthly membership-based service, but there are no contracts and you can cancel anytime.
Now, you might be thinking, “I only have one question — why should I pay for an entire month?” And that’s a valid concern. But, I actually had a lot of follow-up questions after I asked my first question about Walter. So it was nice to know I could have a discussion with the Expert instead of just a one-and-done scenario. Just remember to cancel after you’ve had your questions answered.
How Much Does JustAnswer Cost?
Prices vary, quite a bit. Luckily for us cat parents, the cost of one month of help from a Veterinarian is only about $32 as of the writing of this post. Doctors and Lawyers are about double that. (They cost more on the site, just like in real life.) There are over 150 different categories of Experts, so prices will vary depending on the help you need.
Who Are The Experts on JustAnswer?
According to their website, JustAnswer uses a third-party verification firm to check the credentials and relevant licenses and certifications of the Experts who apply to answer questions for the users on their site. The Veterinarian who answered my question about Walter, Dr. Brownstein, is a licensed Vet with over 36 years of practice.
What Was My Experience With JustAnswer?
I am happy to report that my experience with JustAnswer was a good one. The site is easy to use and, most importantly, the Expert was compassionate and knowledgeable. I asked Dr. Brownstein about Walter’s cognitive decline and she was able to give me some advice on how to help him and what to expect as he continues to age.
First, she explained that, since she isn’t Walter’s vet and cannot examine him, she can’t legally provide specific medical advice like a diagnosis, or prescribe medication. This is important to know if you’re going to use the service. What they can do is advise you to seek emergency medical attention if your pet needs it, and provide support.
In my case, I was already aware that Walter was having cognitive issues but wanted an opinion from a professional (other than just a Google search) and I asked if there were any things I could do at home to help him.
First, she verified that he had recently had bloodwork performed and asked what the results were. I was glad she did this, knowing that many of the symptoms he is having can also be signs of medical conditions, like hyperthyroidism. Fortunately, that has already been ruled out.
Dr. Brownstein recommended a supplement that I could try for him to ease his anxiety. And, she made some suggestions for things to do around the house that could make life more comfortable for him, like keeping his food, water, and litter box in a smaller area so he doesn’t have to search for them. She also recommended having him seen by the vet for an official diagnosis and to rule out any other possible causes for his behavior.
She even checked in with me several hours later to inquire about how Walter was doing.
It was nice to have a dialogue with someone about my cat, rather than just reading an article and hoping the information I’m reading applies to me and my situation.
All in all, I am glad I decided to try JustAnswer and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for advice from a professional, especially if you have a pet. No, it does not replace the advice of your own veterinarian, but it is a good resource to have, especially if you have questions outside of normal vet hours.
So, Is JustAnswer Legit?
Yes, JustAnswer is legit. It is a legitimate website with credentialed Experts who are able to provide support and advice on a variety of topics. If you’re looking for quick answers to simple questions, you might be better off doing a Google search. But if you have more complex questions, are looking for dialogue with an expert in their field, or need support outside of normal business hours, JustAnswer is a great resource to turn to.
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FTC Disclaimer: As part of our review process, The Catington Post may have received payment or sample products to test. Our opinions and recommendations are unbiased and remain our own. The Catington Post is dedicated to finding the best products for cats and we will never recommend a product or service that we don’t love.
